Pressure ulcers — also called pressure sores or bedsores — are skin wounds caused by constant rubbing or pressure on a specific area. They generally begin as a blister or red spot, then develop into an open sore and become more serious.
UPMC experts specialize in advanced treatments for pressure ulcers, offering options that promote wound healing and reduce the risk of recurrence.
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What Is A Pressure Ulcer?
Pressure ulcers — also called pressure sores or bedsores — are skin wounds that come from constant rubbing or pressure on a certain area. They generally begin as a blister or red spot, then develop into an open sore and become more serious.
What are the stages of pressure ulcers?
Stages of pressure ulcers include:
- Stage 1 — Reddish or pink skin that is tender but does not have an open wound or blister. Skin color changes may be more difficult to see in people with darker skin.
- Stage 2 — A pink or red wound or blister in the top layer of skin.
- Stage 3 — A deeper wound that goes beneath the top layer of skin.
- Stage 4 — A very deep wound that exposes muscles, tendons, or bones.
How common are pressure ulcers?
Pressure ulcers are common, affecting about 2.5 million people in the U.S. each year.
What causes pressure ulcers?
Pressure ulcers occur when prolonged pressure limits blood flow to your skin, causing skin cells to die. Eventually, a pressure ulcer will form.
Pressure ulcer risk factors
You are at a higher risk of pressure ulcers if you use a wheelchair, have limited mobility, stay in bed for a long time, or have conditions such as:
- Alzheimer’s disease.
- Diabetes.
- Vascular disease.
People who are paralyzed, in a coma, or wear casts, splints, or prosthetic devices are also at higher risk of developing pressure ulcers.
Complications of pressure ulcers
Pressure ulcers increase your risk of developing life-threatening infections, including:
- Bacterial meningitis.
- Bone infections (osteomyelitis).
- Cellulitis.
- Endocarditis.
- Necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease).
- Septic arthritis.
- Septicemia.
If left untreated, these infections can lead to sepsis, amputation, or death.
How can I reduce my risks of pressure ulcers?
You can reduce your risks of developing pressure ulcers by:
- Changing and washing clothing, underwear, and bedsheets often.
- Changing positions frequently when seated or in bed.
- Checking your skin for signs of pressure ulcers.
- Keeping skin clean and dry, particularly in areas that are exposed to sweat, urine, and stool.
- Quitting smoking.
- Using special mattresses or cushions designed to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Pressure Ulcers?
Symptoms of pressure ulcers include:
- A pink or red area on your skin.
- An open sore or blister that is pink or red.
- A tender, painful, or itchy area on your skin.
Although pressure ulcers can be painful, some people can’t feel them due to nerve damage that has caused a loss of feeling in parts of their body.
When should I see a doctor about my pressure ulcer symptoms?
If you have pressure ulcer symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Early treatment can reduce your risk of complications and recurrence.
How Do You Diagnose Pressure Ulcers?
Your doctor will diagnose pressure ulcers during a physical exam.
What to expect during your visit
If your doctor suspects a pressure ulcer, they will:
- Perform a physical exam.
- Ask you about your symptoms.
- Order tests.
Tests to diagnose pressure ulcers
Although a physical exam is typically all that is needed to diagnose pressure ulcers, your doctor may order other tests to check for infections and other conditions. Tests may include:
- Biopsy — A procedure to take a small sample of abnormal tissue for analysis in a lab.
- Blood cultures and tests — Look for signs of infection and other abnormalities.
- MRI — A test that uses magnets and imaging to pinpoint the affected area and help doctors develop a treatment plan.
- X-ray — A standard imaging test that creates images of the bones and tissues inside your body.
Pressure ulcer prognosis
Stage 1 and stage 2 pressure ulcers typically respond well to nonsurgical treatments. Stage 3 and stage 4 pressure ulcers require more advanced care and can be life-threatening. After your pressure ulcer heals, you will need to take extra precautions to reduce your risk of recurrence.
How Do You Treat Pressure Ulcers?
Treatment for pressure ulcers can help to reduce symptoms, heal the wound, and improve your quality of life.
Treatment options may include:
Medications for pressure ulcers
Your doctor may prescribe medications for pressure ulcers, including:
- Antibiotics.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Pain relievers.
Nonsurgical treatments for pressure ulcers
Nonsurgical treatment options may include:
- Advanced wound dressing — Uses specialized bandages and medications to promote wound healing.
- Bioengineered skin substitutes — Grafts that are applied to wounds to promote healing of damaged skin.
- Lifestyle changes — Managing chronic conditions, eating a healthy diet, changing positions frequently, and maintaining a healthy body weight to promote healing.
- Systemic hyperbaric oxygen therapy — A treatment where you breathe 100 percent oxygen in a pressurized chamber to increase oxygen levels in your blood and promote healing.
Surgical treatments for pressure ulcers
Our wound care teams have experienced orthopaedic, vascular, podiatric, and plastic surgeons who can assess and treat an array of nonhealing wounds. Surgical treatment options for pressure ulcers may include:
- Vacuum-assisted wound closure — In advanced wound healing, vacuum-assisted closure is used to help drain blood or fluid from a nonhealing wound.
- Wound debridement — Involves removing infected or nonviable tissue from the site of a wound to speed healing.
Why Choose UPMC for Pressure Ulcer Care?
When you choose UPMC for pressure ulcer care, you will receive:
- Access to world-class wound care expertise — Our world-renowned experts treat all types of nonhealing wounds using the latest approaches and techniques.
- A full range of treatment options — We offer advanced care for pressure ulcers while reducing your risk of complications.
- Multidisciplinary care — We partner with orthopaedic, vascular, podiatric, and plastic surgeons to provide comprehensive nonhealing wound care that optimizes your recovery and quality of life.
